Transgender 101

On this page we’ve centralized IMPACT’s work on gender identity and transgender health to promote a world more affirming of transgender identities.

What does Transgender mean?

Transgender – or trans – is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. Trans people are diverse, and there are many different terms that fall under the transgender umbrella, reflecting the wide array of experiences. These include gender queer, gender nonconforming, FTM, MTF, transsexual, and many others. Cisgender, on the other hand, refers to people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth.

Keep in mind that gender identity is not sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to whom you are attracted, so trans people can be gay, bisexual, straight, asexual, pansexual, etc., just like cisgender individuals.